Mission trips are a short-term visit to an area of the world that can use some assistance. Trips are usually a week to a few months in length and sponsored by Christian or other religious groups. Many of the locations where mission work is done already have missionaries who are stationed in the area for extended periods of time.

Why Do Mission Work?

Christians believe it is their calling to respond to those in need. It is following a Christ-like life, where service and acts of love and friendship are shown to those who suffer hardship. The Scriptures call for action-based faith, that it is not enough to simply wish someone well, but good deeds need to be done, as well.

All Christian religions are involved in mission work, both long-term and short-term. Those who go on short-term mission trips volunteer their time. Although the sponsoring church may help with expenses, participants are not paid for their time. Money for the mission trip is usually raised through fund-raising activities. However, whatever expenses are not covered through the fund-raising efforts or donations are picked up by the people who will be going on the mission.

Be Prepared to Work

Mission trips are not leisurely vacations. Yes, the trip might be to a beautiful, exotic location, like an island in the Caribbean, but the trip will not be spent in luxury hotels or relaxing on the beach or taking in the typical tourist sites.

Instead, expect to spend the trip working – often hard, physical labor. Mission trips involve digging ditches and irrigation systems, building homes or community buildings, painting, and the list goes on. Whatever the community needs the most is the work the short-term missionaries will perform.

Before leaving on the trip, the mission workers should make sure they are in good physical shape. In many areas, there are few medical resources. Also before the trip it is important to make sure tetanus shots are up-to-date, and it would be wise to get other inoculations, particularly for hepatitis. A check-up with the doctor would also be a good idea, to make sure the volunteer is medically fit for the mission work.

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